How things can change quickly! Roger was a title-less has been who was struggling to win matches against the real top 3 players in the world. But after the beating he put down on Nadal on clay in Madrid, Roger must be in heaven. He has now won his first title of the year, and a big one in that. Federer has also halted Nadal’s streak on clay this year.
Roger truly impressed me today. He not only fought off break points like a real champion, he challenged Nadal’s serve and played more aggressive from behind. And that shaky backhand looked so solid. Rafa did look subdued and had his chances to break and level the match, but Roger served great and mixed up his game to beat Nadal in straight sets and pick up his 15th Masters title.
The chances are Nadal won’t play below his par in a French Open final. Federer has also shown that he is vulnerable against other players as well, so we may not see a Fedal final at the French Open. But it’s nice to see Roger finally beat Rafa and make it a closer rivalry again (13-7 for Rafa). Roger has now beaten Rafa twice on Rafa’s best surface. Can Nadal return the favor at Wimbledon?